April 15 was Yom HaZikaron, Remembrance Day for all the country’s fallen, be they soldiers in battle or civilians in terrorist attacks.
But the solemn day has a silver lining in that it leads directly into Israel Independence Day, a celebration thick with fireworks and joyfulness. I have been looking forward to this pairing of days since arriving in the Holy Land in August last year — but this year, I did not celebrate.
Checking my Facebook around 1 a.m., I saw my news feed filled with prayers for people in Boston. Confused, I soon found a rapidly growing number of articles covering the horrific act of terror that shredded the peaceful nature of the world’s oldest annual marathon — an event that boasts champions of numerous charitable causes. As someone who has friends who did the Jerusalem half-marathon a few months back, I know the courage those runners possess.
When I decided to live in Israel for the year, many close friends told me to be careful, to watch for suspicious people, to stay safe. It seems I should have left them with the same advice.
I am transported back to the era of Israel’s intifada, when acts of terror, especially suicide bombings, seemed to be weekly occurrences. People were afraid to spend a night at the clubs, or ride the local bus to work. Fear gripped the nation but never broke its resolve.
Tears fill my eyes as I browse the gruesome pictures from Boston. But those pictures also immortalize the heroic acts of the first responders and civilians leaping in to save lives. Whether offering their belt as a tourniquet or welcoming a displaced runner into their home, the strength of the Bostonian and American people is staggering.
Since leaving the United States months ago, it seems Americans have been thrust into disarray. We must find some way to find peace among ourselves once again, to put an end to these violent shootings and terrorist bombings. Comedian Patton Oswalt wrote that the number of good people on Earth exponentially outnumbers the evil — I cannot agree more. We must join together to prevent such injustices from recurring.
My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy.
Joshua Neuman is teaching English for the year in a Beersheva elementary school. He grew up in Walnut Creek.